Chapter 1

I, a woman, was the only heir of the Guthrine family. Everyone assumed the three men Dad adopted since they were young were the true heirs, but they barely spared me a glance. Countless times, I tried to flirt with Nathan, only to receive his mocking gaze in return. I assumed he acted the same with all women, but I saw him getting on his knees before Cecelia. He made her a promise. Nathan said, "I agreed to marry her because I wanted to repay the Guthrine family's kindness. Once I become the heir, I'll marry you loud and proud. I'll give Sherry a few million dollars to live her life abroad as long as she doesn't hurt you. You're the only bride for me." … Dad asked about my choice the day before the shareholders' meeting. Recalling the evasive gazes of the three men, I smiled and said, "Let's go with Felix Hamilton from Jorvale. My marriage should, of course, maximize our interests. After all, I'm still the heir of the Guthrine family." Dad frowned and asked, "Felix was paralyzed in a car accident five years ago. Not only is he disabled, but he's also impotent. Are you sure?" Despite my soft tone, I replied firmly, "People of our class are not meant for true love. Since we're putting our interests first, of course, I'll choose the Hamilton family. They will bring us the greatest advantage." Dad had a sombre look. "That may be true, but did none of the three guys I adopted catch your eye?" He loved Mom deeply, yet she died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage the year I was born. Dad couldn't bring himself to remarry, yet he also couldn't rest easy leaving the Guthrine family business to me, a woman. As such, he took the advice of his best friend and adopted three boys from the orphanage. He drafted a will early on. No matter which one of them I chose, he would help me manage the company with me and keep the other board members in check. While Dad loved me dearly, it didn't stop him from thinking that a woman couldn't handle Guthrine Corporation on her own. I turned to look at him. "Although Felix is paralyzed and impotent, I could still have his child through sperm retrieval and IVF. He's also the sole heir of the Hamilton family. I'd rather align myself with a powerful ally rather than choose an orphan to support the Guthrine family." Dad nodded and replied, "Since the three of them don't have what it takes to win your heart, there's no reason for them to stay in the Guthrine Corporation anymore." If I had only mentioned that it was because Nathan didn't love me and I didn't want to force him to, Dad would have forced him to get on his knees before me. He would demand an explanation from Nathan for refusing me. I refused to let Dad use years of kindness as leverage against Nathan. I didn't want to force Nathan to marry me, nor did I want to get stuck in a loveless marriage with him. Besides, I was already disappointed about what he had said. The best I could do was to part ways with him amicably. … As we walked out of the office, Dad shot Nathan a sideways glance. After dutifully seeing Dad off, Nathan turned around and frowned at me. "What did you tattle about this time?" His gaze was full of contempt and impatience. It was as if I'd committed some unforgivable crime. Before I could even reply, Shawn Carlton scoffed from the side. "What else could it be about? Probably something about the three of us leaving her out and not spoiling her enough." Samuel Locke also sneered. "It's already the 21st century, Ms. Guthrine. Do you think having a bit of money would make you a princess that everyone's lives would revolve around?" The three of them were sharp-tongued. They mercilessly hurt me with their words. Confused, I asked, "Since none of you wanted to marry me, why didn't anyone tell my dad about it?" Although Dad had adopted them in hopes that one of them would become my husband, he wouldn't force them into it. If they refused, he would've prepared a hefty sum and sent them abroad for a carefree life.